By Holly Sosa
This is not a sponsored post. I’m just really obsessed with planners and their accessories. And the Erin Condren brand.
I’m a self-proclaimed planner addict. If I don’t write something down on paper, my brain doesn’t remember it. It’s just how I work, so I’ve always had a hand written planner. Over the years I’ve used several planners before finally discovering my planner unicorn, the Erin Condren Life Planner. It’s functional, beautiful, tough, and customizable to what my specific needs are. I’ve used one for three years now and won’t ever look back.
Decorating my ECLP (Erin Condren Life Planner) is another tool I use to remember events, appointments, and birthdays. It’s a relaxing activity that I enjoy and that serves a purpose, so I’ve built quite a collection of decorating stickers, tape, and sticky notes. I never met a Target Dollar Spot I didn’t like, ha! Recently, Erin Condren released her own sets of stickers, sticky notes, decorative (sticker!) paper and as a huge fan of her products, I naturally ordered one of everything, ha!
I remember when I ordered my first ECLP, I wanted all the extras, the bells and whistles. I was disappointed with some and really thrilled with others. And since I’ve had my hands on just about every planner accessory offered on the Erin Condren website, I thought I’d share my thoughts on each of the Erin Condren planner accessories and whether they’re an item you’d enjoy or should pass on.
1. snap-in StylizedSticky™ notes – classic
These snap-in sticky notes are awesome. They’re sticky, but removable without any residue. Plus they snap right into your planner. I use these whenever I’m taking my planner out of the house. Rather than write in an appointment directly in my planner, I’ll write it on one of the sticky notes, place it on the day and then once I’m home write it in. These are a definite yes and I’ll be ordering them again.
2. sticker books
The EC website offers a classic sticker book and a cool for school sticker book. I have both and love both. What’s better than having stickers custom made to fit inside your planner boxes?! My only complaint with these is that there are entire alphabet stickers, which I personally don’t use. I’m sure other people do and can get creative with them. Also, this is my official request to the Erin Condren powers that be: can we get a Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas sticker book please?
3. designer sticker sheets
These are available in nature theme and gemtone theme. I’ve got both and use both. These are great for covering messed up boxes, blocking out dates in a calendar and more. I’ve even used a sheet to cover my favorite marker. I enjoy using these sticker sheets for such a variety of purposes and I’ll definitely order them again.
4. CoilClip™ connectors
If you’re going to get any accessory for your ECLP, it needs to be these handy little clips. Anytime I get an invitation or flyer from school, I stick it on a coil clip and inside my planner on the week of the event. They clip in and out and are easy to use. Plus, I use mine over & over again by adhering my paper with washi tape rather than the permanent adhesive on the actual clip itself.
5. snap-in dashboards
I’ve got both the meal planner dashboard and the to do list dashboard. The meal planner isn’t one I use, but that’s probably because I plan my meals using my own method. The to do list dashboard is great and I use a Sharpie on it all the time for brain dumps or phone call reminders. Things that I think of spur of the moment that need to be done ASAP. I’m also a doodler and when I’m on the phone or waiting for something, I end up doodling all over this dashboard rather than inside my planner, which is a space saver. I will say that this is something easily DIY-ed if you have some pretty paper and a laminating machine (which I do). I’m not sure if I’d spend the money on them again since I can make them myself.
6. fleur feliz markers
I have to give a big fat thumbs down on these markers. I’ve ordered them twice and both time I was disappointed. The first set I received was dried out and several were cracked. I immediately tossed them in the trash and emailed the EC customer service. They asked me for photos to prove my markers were damaged. I obviously couldn’t provide the evidence, so I was out the $10 (at the time – they are now just $5). The second time I ordered them two of the markers were dried out and the rest were not as rich in color as I expected. Pass on these and instead get the PaperMate Flairs, which I swear by.
7. do-it-all designer dots
I love these tiny stickers. I use them for everything. To mark appointments, hair cuts, house chores, field trips, and basically everything else that goes in my planner. Each ECLP comes with a small sample of these stickers and I used them up so quickly, I decided to order two sets. If I were going to recommend my top two accessories to purchase, it would be these and the coil clips.
For me, accessories help make my planner functional and beautiful, which is appealing and motivating for me to stay on task. I’d say overall, Ms Condren knows her stationery and planner stuff. She’s got most of these accessories perfected and I truly do use them all (except for those dang markers!). If you’re interested in Erin Condren products or even purchasing an ECLP for yourself, use this referral link for $10 off your first purchase.
Which planner accessory do you think you’d use the most? Is there an accessory you’d like me to review in particular? Let’s chat planner accessories in the comments below.
The post Erin Condren Planner Accessories, Buy or Pass? appeared first on Our Holly Days.